Social media is a way for people to connect with friends, share pictures, or update loved ones on current events. With social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter being accessible from laptops, computers, and smartphones, some may find it useful to share their recovery with others. Some may even take pictures and post them on Instagram.
The recovery community debates whether or not social media should be used during recovery. Part of the recovery process involves developing support networks and some may find this support through social media. While it is normal to want to share your recovery with others, one should consider their own recovery and the recovery of others.
First, recovery is personal. Posting comments about your own recovery or another’s recovery will be viewed by hundreds or even thousands of other people. Some of the information should be kept private particularly if you are posting information about someone you met in recovery or someone you attend 12-step meetings with. Personal conversations related to recovery should be considered in a more private setting. If you meet someone at a 12-step meeting or other group meeting, that person has a right to privacy and any information shared should not be posted on social media. In addition, it is important that pictures are not shared as confidentiality is expected in 12-step and other group meetings.
In early recovery, a person can be vulnerable to what other people think and take it to heart. If there are those we associated with during our drug use, they may be listed as a “friend” on Facebook. If you post information about your recovery, these “friends” might try to get you to sabotage your recovery. Social media can also be considered an addiction. If you are using social media as a way to avoid working on your recovery, then you should avoid using social media.
There is a positive side to social media use during recovery. Recovery groups are available on social media who are dedicated to helping those in recovery. Caution should be taken when using these groups as you do not want private information getting into the hands of those who could jeopardize your recovery. Social media, including using laptops or smartphones, can also benefit recovery by providing information and connections to others in recovery. Many smartphones allow downloading apps that you can use to connect with others through support groups and meetings.
Recovery is a time for connecting to yourself, your family, and to your new peers of recovery. Avalon Malibu offers the highest luxury and privacy from our serene seaside estate atop the cliffs of the iconic Malibu coast. For a confidential assessment and more information on our continuum of care for primary mental health and substance use disorders, call us today: (888) 958-7511
